Indian Shia cleric Kalbe Jawwad arrests in UP

Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad was on Monday arrested along with his supporters here in Kaiserbagh area when he was going to hold a demonstration at Shahi Masjid in Hazratganj area, police said.

Jawwad, who had earlier announced his plan to hold a demonstration at Hazratganj here after taking out a procession to protest misuse of Shia Waqf properties and demand removal of Waseem Rizvi, Chairman of Shia Waqf Board, started from old city area in a procession but was later arrested at Kaiserbagh crossing along with his supporters.

"Jawwad and his supporters, including women, have been arrested as prohibitory orders were in place in Hazratganj area," a senior officer said.

Elaborate security arrangements were made in the old city area to prevent any untoward incident and drone cameras were used to keep an eye on the procession.

Though diversions were declared, traffic from old city to Hazratganj area was thrown out of gear due to the procession.

Jawwad has been protesting against Rizvi, considered close to Urban Development Minister Mohd Azam Khan. Both are engaged in war of words alleging involvement of each other in corrupt practices.